At a Glance

Adventure awaits you and your grandchild in Colonial Virginia! Discover the contribution of Native Americans, Africans and Europeans in Jamestown, journey back in time to Williamsburg at the onset of the American Revolution as citizens consider a break with England. Talk to prosperous Colonists like the wigmaker, silversmith and tavern keeper, then travel onward to Yorktown to walk the fields where our independence was won.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking two miles on uneven brick streets, occasional grass, dirt or pebble paths.

Best of all, you'll ...

Examine artifacts from the original fort at Jamestown, site of the first permanent English colony in North America.

Experience Colonial life by learning to write with a quill pen, making potpourri, dressing up in Colonial clothes and playing a variety of lawn and parlor games.

Decide whether to stand with the Patriots or the Loyalists in a spirited debate moderated by a character from Colonial America.

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 9-11.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Bill Barker

Bill Barker has portrayed Thomas Jefferson in a variety of venues since his first appearance at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1984. He has continued to appear as Jefferson for Colonial Williamsburg as well as the White House, Versailles, ABC, CBS, PBS, CNN and stage productions of the musical, 1776. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Bill received a B.A. in history from Villanova University and attended the University of Pennsylvania. He has been portraying Jefferson for Road Scholar programs for over a decade.

Stephen Christoff

Bill Barker

Suggested Reading List

View 18 books

Women’s Life and Work in the Southern Colonies

by Spruill, Julia Cherry

The Revolution in Virginia, 1775-1783.

by Selby, John E

Plantation Homes of the James River.

by Roberts, Bruce.

American Scripture: The Making of the Declaration of Independence

by Maier, Pauline

A Revolutionary People at War: The Continental Army & American Character

by Royster, Charles

Jamestown: The Buried Truth

by Kelso, William

American Slavery, American Freedom: The Ordeal of Colonial Virginia

by Morgan, Edmund S

Empires at War: The French and Indian War and the Struggle for North

by Fowler, William M.

Good Wives, Nasty Wenches, and Anxious Patriarchs: Gender, Race, and Power in Colonial Virginia

by Brown, Kathleen

A Land as God Made It: Jamestown and the Birth of America

by James Horn

Slave Counterpoint: Black Culture in the Eighteenth Century Chesapeake and

Afternoon: Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. We’ll begin our virtual time travel into colonial days as we watch the classic movie “Story of a Patriot” that was shot in and around Williamsburg. We’ll learn about events that were taking place in the years leading up to the American Revolution and see how colonists had different attitudes about their relationship with the mother country, England. We’ll have a group discussion at the end.

Dinner: In our private dining area at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a buffet meal with multiple main dish choices, side dishes including seasonal vegetables, dessert, and beverage choices including coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is an active program with some strenuous physical demands. Grandkids must be accompanied by grandparents during all activities; children may not be left to be supervised by faculty and staff. Unless indicated otherwise, transportation will be primarily by motorcoach involving stepping up and down a few steps. On several evenings, we’ll have special meal selections for kids. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. While grandparents get to know each other and become familiar with the week's schedule, the kids will join in some introductory games with their activity leader and learn about roles that will be assigned as Loyalists or Patriots, along with a trade to represent. During the program, we’ll learn everything we can about what Loyalists and Patriots believed and how independence would impact their assigned trades. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Morning: We’ll board the motorcoach for our field trip to Jamestown Settlement. This was the first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607, and the capital of the Virginia colony for more than 80 years. Walking with knowledgeable docents (well-trained volunteers), we’ll see reconstructions of an Indian village, a fort, and sailing ships. Imagine what it was like back then when there was no electricity, no running water, and none of the comforts and conveniences we take for granted. Especially for kids: We’ll explore interactive museum exhibits — designed for kids — that show why Jamestown was founded, the impact the settlers had on local Powhatans (Native American Indians), and how the first Africans were brought here. We’ll also take part in classroom activities where we’ll be able to handle reproduction artifacts and dress up in colonial clothing. We’ll then have some time to explore independently.

Lunch: At the Jamestown Settlement Café, we’ll have boxed lunches with sandwiches that appeal to both adults and kids plus a sweet and beverage.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll transfer to Jamestown Island and explore the site of the first permanent English colony in North America. Led by a local expert, the field trip includes an exploration of the Visitor Center galleries, a marvelous introductory film, and the Archaearium (Archaeology Museum) where artifacts from the unearthed original fort are displayed. Depending on the site schedule, we may have the opportunity to observe ongoing archaeological work at the original fort site. Especially for kids: We’ll be able to look through the floor in the Archaearium museum to see the excavated State House and the artifacts that came out of the ground we just visited. And then, of course, there are the skeletons! We’ll then ride back to the hotel.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: To cap off our busy day, an amazingly talented musician, dressed in period clothing, will demonstrate musical instruments of the colonial era, some of them familiar and others surprising.

DAY

3

Colonial Williamsburg, Gaol, Brickyard, Games & Crafts

Williamsburg

B,L,D

Best Western Williamsburg Historic District

Activity note: Walking up to 2.5 miles from the hotel through the Historical Area and back. Lots of standing; fairly level, pebble streets, brick & shell paths; occasional benches along the way; brief rests in some buildings; on our feet about 4 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: From the hotel, we’ll walk over to Colonial Williamsburg where local experts will lead us on a walking field trip to historical buildings including the Capitol, where Jefferson and Patrick Henry spoke, and the Gaol (jail) that held imprisoned paupers and pirates. We’ll stroll by gardens full of flowers and vegetables and fields where animal breeds from the colonial era graze. Poking our heads into some of the shops, we’ll get to watch and talk to artisans making 18th century goods in the traditional manner. Especially for kids: We’ll finish our morning adventure by helping to make bricks in the Brickyard. Shoes will come off! The brick makers will explain the process and show us what to do. At the end of the field trip, we’ll walk back to the hotel, visiting a few more colonial shops on the way.

Lunch: At the hotel, adult and kid-friendly choices.

Afternoon: Especially for kids, with the active participation of Grands: A talented historical interpreter will join us at the hotel to lead in colonial crafts and activities. You might learn to write with a quill pen using colonial style penmanship, put together your own hand-bound book for taking notes, or dress up in colonial clothes. Have your camera ready for pictures! Next, we’ll all join in lawn and tavern diversions from lively dice games to lawn bowling. Our instructor will teach us the rules and provide directions while entertaining us with background stories of the amusements. Finally, grandparents will be treated to a special presentation by a delightful character interpreter who will elucidate various aspects of colonial life. In a separate room, grandkids will prepare a sweet confection with the help of a domestic historian who will also provide background on the ingredients. Everyone will be able to sample the delicious results after class.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: At leisure. Our Group Leader will talk about different kinds of activities you might like to enjoy on your own. Or, just relax and have some family time together.

Morning: We’ll board the motorcoach, ride back to Colonial Williamsburg, and continue to explore buildings, gardens, and other sites in the Restored Area. At the Governor's Palace, we’ll learn from knowledgeable docents how the royal representative in Virginia lived and how the palace was built to impress the colonists with British authority and wealth. Especially for kids: We’ll get lost (and found) in the garden maze, created from living boxwood hedges. Next, we’ll walk to the campus of the College of William and Mary to explore the historic Wren Building — America’s oldest college building in continuous use. On our way, we’ll check out some of the trade shops such as the blacksmith’s, the wig maker’s and the cooper’s (barrel maker) to understand more about how people lived in the colonial period. We’ll then take the motorcoach to historic Shields Tavern.

Lunch: At Shields Tavern (1745), we’ll have kid-friendly and adult choices. In the colonial era, “public houses” were gathering places for residents and travelers. The building has been reconstructed, but the atmosphere is like what patrons such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry would have known. Strolling musicians and personalities from the past enhance the experience.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You are welcome to remain in Colonial Williamsburg and explore more. Especially for kids: This would be a great time to visit the shop keeper you are representing to find out about your trade and how the debate on independence would affect their business. You can also walk back to the hotel for a dip in the pool, write in your journal, or just sit back and relax.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: Especially for kids: We’ll be joined at the hotel by a talented singer-storyteller who will take us through three centuries of African-American culture from its roots in Africa to freedom with the end of slavery. You can join her in singing along!

DAY

5

Yorktown Battlefield & Museum, Encampment, Farm, Debate

Williamsburg

B,L,D

Best Western Williamsburg Historic District

Activity note: Walking up to 1/2 mile at a time, including several hundred yards from parking area to Surrender Pavilion; standing at sites; pebble and grass paths, some hilly ground. Battlefield earthworks are fairly steep to climb.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll hop on the motorcoach and ride to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (ARMY). Yorktown is where George Washington’s army defeated the British, effectively ending the Revolutionary War. We’ll see a film in the museum theater and interpretive sites including a re-created Continental army encampment and a farm. Museum staff and docents will lead us in a variety of lessons and hands-on activities including watching flax being turned into linen thread, practicing military drills, learning about Revolutionary War medicine and cooking, and looking into a tobacco barn. Especially for kids: This is a very kid-oriented place with lots of interactive exhibits and plenty of hands-on activities.

Lunch: At the Yorktown Victory Center, we’ll have boxed lunches from a popular local eatery with a choice of sandwich or wrap, a sweet, and soft drink.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll drive over with a local expert to explore the actual site of the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. Here American and French forces defeated the British and won the Revolutionary War. We’ll visit the galleries at the Visitor Center, climb up the earthworks, and end with a walk across Surrender Field where the British army laid down their arms before George Washington's forces. We’ll then return to the hotel via motorcoach.

Evening: Especially for kids: We’ve been learning about the struggles and accomplishments of the Virginia colonists since the founding at Jamestown. Now, war with England looms on the horizon and we must decide whether to stand with the Patriots or the Loyalists. We’ll divide into opposing groups as our moderator — a character from colonial America — asks questions to encourage debate. Grands will be the audience and observe the spirited discussion based on the information we’ve gathered during our field trips. At the end of the debate, we’ll vote for American independence or loyalty to the King of England, and you can change sides if you want! Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure and prepare for departure after our final session in the morning.

DAY

6

Colonial Food Preparation, Dance Lesson, Program Concludes

Williamsburg

B,L

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: At the hotel, we’ll participate in the preparation of authentic and tasty colonial foods as we learn from a domestic historian. Then, just like the people of colonial times, we’ll follow our dessert by trying out some colonial dance steps to music from the period. Grandchildren and grandparents can both learn the steps of the minuet and other colonial dances with the lively assistance of a talented dance mistress at the hotel. To mark the end of our colonial adventure, we’ll all take part in a graduation ceremony and receive tokens of our accomplishments.

Lunch: Pick up a boxed lunch with a sandwich, fruit, chips, a sweet and a beverage before heading home. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

15 Meals

5 Breakfasts

5 Lunches

5 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Fat, Gluten Free, Low Salt

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The Best Western Williamsburg Historic District is located just steps away from where it all began! The hotel is within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg; two miles to Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA; only minutes to Jamestown and other area attractions. The College of William and Mary is less than two miles. Williamsburg Premium Outlets is less than five miles. Whether visiting the colonial capitol for sightseeing, golfing, or shopping, the Best Western Williamsburg Historic District is the perfect choice for your accommodations.

This was our first intergenerational tour. It was very well-organized and featured activities that were educational and enjoyable for grandchildren and grandparents. There was a great mix of historical tours and entertainment. We especially enjoyed our night time activities that featured Stephen Christoff, musician, Debbie Downs, storyteller and the historical debate where kids assumed the roles of Loyalists, Patriots or "Undecided". Jessica Clothier was our tour organizer and we can't say enough about how wonderful she was. Rebecca Suerdieck was one of our tour leaders. She also organized acitivities that featured colonial games, dance, dress and foods. Her knowledge of the time period and enthusiasm for what she does was quite evident. One thing we didn't expect was the bonding between the children and the grandparents. It was special. We hope to take another Road Scholar intergenerational tour in the future. Thanks for a memorable time - one we will always treasure.

This is an exceptional opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to bond while learning from being immersed in the experiences of the early colonists and leaders of our country. Assigning trades and political positions for the youngsters was innovative and extremely effective in engaging them in the experience while meeting others from across the country.

I have been impatiently waiting to travel with my 9 year old grandson. Williamsburg was a wonderful first adventure. He and I had some good discussions. I enjoyed watching him interact with other kids as they tried on colonial clothing, stomped in the mud, tried old craft techniques, and splashed in the pool.

This program, focused on the 18th Century experiences of people who colonized Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown and fought the British "Loyalists" for their strong desire for self-government, was very educational. The program nicely sequenced the talks and visits so that the final episodes in Yorktown were the culminating aspect of it.